We will work with winning party says chemical industry chief

WHATEVER the colour of the rosette, chemical industry leaders have urged the next Government to work in partnership with the sector.

Only by doing this, can growth happen in all parts of the UK, according to the representatives.

The sector, a major element of the Humber's economy as Britain's second largest cluster, spends £5 billion annually on research and development, invests £4 billion per year on capital assets and has a total workforce of around half a million people.

The 'manifesto' of Britain's chemical and pharmaceutical industry published by the Chemical Industries Association calls for action across a range of policy areas such as industrial strategy, energy, climate change, skills, trade, science and innovation and employment.

There is also a demand for action on the regulatory environment including keeping existing European regulations to maintain world class standards.

Steve Elliott, chief executive of the association, and a guest at Catch's annual dinner earlier this month, said: "Our manifesto represents our full range of policy work and on-going discussions with political parties.

"Our theme confirms that our industry wants to work with the new Government as well as politicians of all parties.

"We will be using the document to meet with Government and the Opposition after the General Election as well as talking to all the parties during the campaign."

The chief executive of the association added: "Brexit is of course an issue but there is so much more we need Government to address through an effective industrial strategy in order to deliver growth in all parts of the UK."